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Companions of Their Youth: a Pride & Prejudice Variation

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At a young age, Elizabeth Bennet discovers a family secret, which she keeps without complaint for a decade, even from her twin brother Mark. But the arrival of Fitzwilliam Darcy to Meryton threatens her hard-won composure. Meanwhile, Darcy is seeking escape from an uncontrollable younger sister, as well as chilling anonymous notes.

With trust in short supply and danger drawing ever closer, Elizabeth and Darcy must each confront their own fears and failings. Can they overcome pride, suspicion, and the weight of the past to find forgiveness, faith, and a love worth every risk?


Trigger please read the free sample to see a letter from the author about potential triggers in this book.

When Thomas Bennet married lively, beautiful Fanny Gardiner, few guessed the real reason for their union. Years later, their spirited daughter Elizabeth carries a closely guarded family secret—one she has protected since childhood, even from her twin brother, Mark.

Mark’s return from school for the summer sparks a season of change in Hertfordshire. The wealthy and reserved Fitzwilliam Darcy arrives with his friend Charles Bingley, seeking refuge from London to escape his sister’s uncontrollable behavior and a string of unsettling anonymous notes.

Darcy’s first encounters with the Bennets are uneasy, yet Elizabeth’s warm, lively manner begins to chip away at his reserve. An unexpected friendship with Mr. Bennet soon follows, giving Darcy a sense of belonging he has not felt since his parents died.

But the quiet is short-lived. The troubling notes return, and Georgiana arrives at Netherfield without her companion—willful, defiant, and in need of guidance that Darcy cannot seem to give. Reluctantly, he turns to Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet for help.

Darcy comes to admire Elizabeth’s steadfast loyalty to her family—loyalty that will be tested when danger strikes at the very heart of their circle. Both will face moments of Elizabeth must decide whether love can survive without full honesty, and Darcy must confront the difference between guarding his pride and guarding what is right.

From the quiet study at Longbourn to the frost-touched roads of Meryton and the candlelit rooms of Netherfield, this Pride and Prejudice variation weaves together romance, suspense, and faith. Elizabeth and Darcy’s journey—from wary strangers to steadfast partners—will test their convictions, deepen their compassion, and prove that the truest love is built on truth, grace, and the courage to forgive.

Companions of Their Youth is a closed-door Pride & Prejudice variation of 120,000 words, with themes of Christianity and trigger warnings listed in the letter from the author at the front of the book.

572 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2025

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About the author

Tiffany Thomas

28 books61 followers
Welcome! I’m Tiffany Thomas, and I’m so glad you are here!

I’m a homeschooling mom of four with Crohn’s disease. Prior to becoming ill, I was a public middle school math teacher for several years.

My husband, Phillip, and I run the blog Saving Talents – which I definitely think you should check out!

I love chocolate, sci-fi, and Jane Austen (obviously). I’m the oldest of 10 kids (6 bio, 4 adopted from foster care).

I’m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka, Mormon).

Don’t hesitate to reach out to me – I love hearing from my readers! Just sign up for my newsletter and hit “reply” when you get an email from me.

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5 stars
208 (60%)
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101 (29%)
3 stars
30 (8%)
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3 (<1%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
353 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2025
A tour de force

Dealing sensitively and compassionately with Regency-era homosexuality and bisexuality, and all their ramifications, Tiffany Thomas has created a unique and emotionally powerful P&P variation. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,980 reviews17 followers
August 23, 2025
I loved it!

Warning: Meant for mature audiences. Contains scenes that would scandalize the ton. Readers of a delicate constitution are advised to keep their fans and vinaigrettes close at hand.

This story contains three triggers:

One: gay characters, and also the languages used by the characters may seem harsh and unkind for today’s standards (the views expressed are written as such to be historically accurate to the time period the story takes place).
Two: religion (especially Christianity and Anglican traditions) play important roles in the lives of several characters.
Third: abuse, specifically spousal and child abuse


It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is part of the Pride and Prejudice "What if?" Variations series. This is a closed-door story, with themes of Christianity and trigger warnings listed in a letter from the author at the front of the book (I have briefly listed them at the top of this review, but more details will be included and explained in the letter at the start of the book).

When Thomas Bennet married lively, beautiful Fanny Gardiner, few guessed the real reason for their union. Years later, their spirited daughter Elizabeth carries a closely guarded family secret, one she has protected without complaint since she first discovered it when she was a young age, even from her twin brother Mark, but the arrival of Fitzwilliam Darcy to Meryton threatens her hard-won composure. Meanwhile, Darcy is seeking escape from an uncontrollable younger sister, as well as chilling anonymous notes. With trust in short supply and danger drawing ever closer, Elizabeth and Darcy must each confront their own fears and failings. Can they overcome pride, suspicion, and the weight of the past to find forgiveness, faith, and a love worth every risk?

Mark’s return from school for the summer sparks a season of change in Hertfordshire. The wealthy and reserved Fitzwilliam Darcy arrives with his friend Charles Bingley, seeking refuge from London to escape his sister’s uncontrollable behavior and a string of unsettling anonymous notes. Darcy’s first encounters with the Bennets are uneasy, yet Elizabeth’s warm, lively manner begins to chip away at his reserve. An unexpected friendship with Mr. Bennet soon follows, giving Darcy a sense of belonging he has not felt since his parents died, but the quiet is short-lived.

The troubling notes return, and Georgiana arrives at Netherfield without her companion, willful, defiant, and in need of guidance that Darcy cannot seem to give, so reluctantly, he turns to Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet for help. Darcy comes to admire Elizabeth’s steadfast loyalty to her family, loyalty that will be tested when danger strikes at the very heart of their circle. Both will face moments of reckoning, Elizabeth must decide whether love can survive without full honesty, and Darcy must confront the difference between guarding his pride and guarding what is right.

From the quiet study at Longbourn to the frost-touched roads of Meryton and the candlelit rooms of Netherfield, this Pride and Prejudice variation weaves together romance, suspense, and faith. Elizabeth and Darcy’s journey, from wary strangers to steadfast partners, will test their convictions, deepen their compassion, and prove that the truest love is built on truth, grace, and the courage to forgive. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
Profile Image for Adele.
217 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2025
real tears

This was such a moving story. So much feeling throughout. This is hard to review because I don’t want to give away spoilers. I usually am not fond of stories with much religion in them but I think it’s because many of those stories just have the religion sprinkled in like an afterthought. In many ways as obnoxious as gratuitous sex scenes, religious discussion that doesn’t move the plot forward is a distraction to a well told story.
There was real dread, fear, anger, love, despair joy and so much love. This story touched me in a way a book hasn’t in quite a while.
94 reviews
August 20, 2025
Excellent read

I truly enjoyed. Very insightful. Delicate handling of sensitive topics.

Thank you for that quote from Isaiah and that conversation between Elizabeth and Georgiana.

Ms Thomas really touched on many important ideas - the double standard before marriage was a very powerful topic. Dealing with gay relationships - with both positive and negative views, and also just understanding how any relationship, even heterosexual can be destructive based on genuine feelings vs “just sexual encounters “. One of her best books, for the story and for the delicacy of handling the issues in the book.
873 reviews7 followers
September 7, 2025
Companions of Their Youth

Impressed. Grateful for the warning about relationships. Would not recommend to young minds, but a very heartfelt and Christian viewpoint. Honest reactions.
Profile Image for Sue.
239 reviews6 followers
September 6, 2025
Tiffany Thomas is a gifted writer, but the depth and sensitivity of this one of her books is astonishing. Be sure to read her preface, because you need to read this with an open mind. I don't usual read JAFF with religious themes, but Companions of Their Youth employs religion for rich understanding of character and the times in which the book is set.

Mr. Bennet is astonishing, as is Elizabeth. Mr. Darcy is hard to take in the beginning, but he learns important lessons.
53 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2025
Enlightening!!!!

If I could give 6 stars, I would in a heartbeat! Thank you for this beautiful story. There are So many different kinds of love in this amazing world of ours. At the end of the day, our all knowing, awesome and ever forgiving God makes us realize that we are all loved no matter who we are . I love this book. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Lynette Turner.
150 reviews
August 28, 2025
im gobsmacked

Most novels with any Christian themed content usually has me chucking the idea of finishing said book around chapter 5 or 6; i resent being forced fed any author’s (other than G-d’s) religious ideas/interpretations of Christian behavior; even subtle hints by any author of preaching their belief system in their work leaves me cold. I’ve never finished any JAFF book where RELIGION is basic tenet in the plot but for some reason, in this book, whether it was the plot, prose, pacing, good dialogue—it kept me going until i *finished* the story with it’s sublime epilogue. The background of this story is based on conflict between what sin is & the blessing of finding honesty in true love, recognizing redemption is a core concept not practiced often enough (even today!) among ourselves as it should be. Love is love— ie The good, inspiring, stand by your side, always be there kinda love is always a BLESSING & shouldn’t be allowed any shame. I cannot explain why this book touched me so (based on any single component), but this lovely thought provoking uplifting soul affirming inspiring (u choose) little story rather cracked my jaded mind open more than i imagined this type of JAFF book could & gave me the best quietest peaceful happiest relaxed moment I’ve had in a while. Mrs B as canon but induces empathy, Mr B is very much still a sardonic stalwart hide in his study kinda guy but with such a sterling character it’s quite hard not to fall in love with him. Mark as EB’s twin, is minor character despite being the source for the end of the entitlement; other minor characters exhibit little or no surprises, except Wickham is way more toxic than canon. Sheesh-his comeuppance is deserved & believable. Yes, still a FD/EB finding their way to HEA despite struggles w/pride/prejudice, but overall, so nicely wrought it makes me wanna immediately re-read this book to discern any other nuances the author hid in the story-DEFINITELY RECOMMEND even for readers like myself who eschew religious themed JAFF! Well done.
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,295 reviews14 followers
October 16, 2025
Loved this one!

A superb piece that touches on delicate issues with a sensitivity seldom seen. It also shows the importance of teaching children about the consequences of their behavior and of having them grow with faith, understanding and compassion. And, in addition, the love story between Elizabeth and Darcy has also its own lessons and learning.
Profile Image for Terri M.
211 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2025
This book surprised me in the best way. I like Tiffany Thomas and her books, although I’m not a huge fan of Christian based fiction. What I thought was amazing about this story is the main subject line, along with other significant issues, written with true compassion and with a heart for what Jesus would do. Writing historically these subjects may be seen as perceived harshly (please read the author’s letter at the beginning of the book), but it is consistent for that time era and the author states that her views are not the same.

In the past couple of decades I have found more and more persons, who claim to be Christians, do not think or behave consistently with what the Bible teaches. They condemn instead of trying to understand and express no sympathy or mercy towards others who don’t think exactly as they do. Jesus embraced the unfortunate and forgave the sinners. Jesus did not condemn, with the exception of some money changers. He taught love. In this book Tiffany Thomas teaches love, compassion and forgiveness. Her voice should be heard.
Profile Image for Andrea.
139 reviews
August 23, 2025
I was a little hesitant based on the prologue. But I love the way most of this came out. I really liked the portrayal of the gay Mr. Bennett and his quiet relationship with Stephens, but his steadfast understanding for his wife, and love for all of the children, I absolutely love that. I always love a good (active in the care for the estate and his children) Mr. Bennett in a story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
8 reviews
August 25, 2025
beautiful

Truly and beautiful and moving variation. Low angst, but deep subjects handled with grace and kindness. I truly loved this book 💜
5 reviews
August 22, 2025
Excellent well-balanced story—much enjoyed

I am usually too lazy to leave a written review, and only make exceptions when moved strongly by a book. This book is an exception. I’ve read hundreds of JAFF volumes, and this one is in my top five. Had tears near the end.
Profile Image for Gratia.
243 reviews8 followers
September 4, 2025
Lovely story

4.5* rounded up

I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of the various individual relationships, especially those between Elizabeth and her father, her mother, her twin, and Darcy. This story, in my opinion, conveyed religious themes without forcing religion. Religion was central to the Regency mindset, so it was fitting that the characters sought guidance from it. I thought it was touching, reflective, and heartfelt. The presentation of the sensitive topics was excellent.

I happily overlook a few typos in favour of this lovely story. It's well-written, and it will be on my reread list.

1,276 reviews34 followers
November 25, 2025
Wow! An epic tale.

Elizabeth has a twin brother. When she's ten years old she accidentally discovers a shocking truth about her father, but he waits until she's fifteen to explain fully. Elizabeth is encumbered with an important secret about her father, one that she can never divulge to anyone. When Darcy and the Bingleys come to Netherfield, the infamous insult at the Meryton assembly is delivered, but this time Elizabeth's twin brother Mark takes Darcy to task, resulting in an eventual apology, and an eventual attraction between Elizabeth and Darcy. A highly troubled and misbehaving Georgiana comes to Netherfield, and Elizabeth is instrumental in helping Darcy to deal with her.

This is a highly melodramatic and angst filled story. Darcy, in particular, has such a miserable existence that I was afraid that the romance would be overshadowed, and it is somewhat. However, there's enough positive occurrences to prevent a complete meltdown. The book summary and the author's foreword give you enough information so that the heavy issues canvassed aren't a surprise. These are heavy issues, and no mistake, particularly since the story takes place during the extremely uptight Regency era.

I deducted a star for a couple of situations that were so unlikely that it kind of drew me out of the story with scepticism, one of them being a very important decision made about how to deal with a terrible Georgiana. Also, although I knew that this book would have Christian viewpoints, which is perfectly fine, the religious references bordered on excessive. However, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
Profile Image for Mustang.
404 reviews
August 27, 2025
Darcy has a stalker

4 1/2 stars rounded up

In the description, the author asks everyone to please make sure to read the preview for the book, especially the note from author. I encourage you to do so, so you have an idea of where some of the story is going and possible trigger warnings. I read the first part of the sample that was available and I knew I had to buy it because I was intrigued with where the story was going. I have most of this author’s books already and figured I would probably end up buying it later versus just borrow via KU, but I bought it and read it faster because of the sample.

This is the second story I’ve read this week that the theme deals with one’s character. In this variation, Mr. Bennet becomes a more diligent father and steward of his property. I loved how Darcy was able to connect with the Bennet family and feel at peace with them when the rest of his life feels in turmoil due to an unknown stalker and a very disrespectful and angry Georgiana.

I enjoyed the little Easter egg song references in all of the stalker notes. One of them stood out to me immediately, and then I had to go back and look at all of the other stalker notes. The author, Tiffany Thomas, just did a blog update on her website where she talks about each of these notes and where the inspiration from them came, it’s worth it to go check it out for fun.

Darcy has much to process in his mind as things are revealed as well as Georgiana getting back under control with the help of the entire Bennet family.

This may not be a story for everyone, but I enjoyed it.
2 reviews
September 12, 2025
Usually, I don´t like to read books that are dedicated to spread a clear Christian message. My own experiences with them are experiences of either hypocrisy or using scripture as oppression. However, I tried this book and my expectations were positively disappointed. Mrs. Thomas presents a story that tells of a loving and supportive relationship that goes against society´s rules and common beliefs. At the same time this relationship allows for kindness towards others and reveals the integrity of the character as opposed to resentment turning into a burning desire for revenge and cruelty. The story tells how someone´s - here it is Darcy - convictions are turned upside down by - slowly - finding out that unquestioned beliefs can be seen from another point of view without violating or erasing the essentials that determine a character´s value: taking care of others without giving one´s self up, kindness, goodness, love.
I don´t regret I bought and read this book, and I recommend it to everyone.
41 reviews
September 3, 2025
She has described my thoughts exactly.

Not much I didn't like apart from the "Americanism"
I cried reading this. So many situations that I haven't had directly but know people who have and are still dealing with the themes here.
The writer Tiffany Thomas and I share membership of the same Church so maybe that's why her writings and options stem from.
This was not just about the Bennett's it was about the community and many injustices that people had endured because of attitudes and societal norms of the time. Spousal abuse where a man was allowed to beat his wife as long as she didn't die.
Nice love story too and a more realistic version of courtship. Made my heart sing when they finally realised that they loved another but still not an easy courtship.
Oh and Georgina...
303 reviews6 followers
August 20, 2025
Light shines in darkness

Deep and dark secrets kept in love, kept in fear, held to protect—and for various other reasons. Once again, Ms Thomas has offered an accurate window into the times of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. The what ifs are darker in some respects, shining with light in others. The Bennet family with its secrets are mostly their better selves; Darcy is haunted by an obsessed predator. This version of Elizabeth is admirable, if a shade too good for my taste. The scene of self defense is masterfully done; a villain is thoroughly trounced. Many happy resolutions—but I would like to have known what becomes of Stephenson.
225 reviews
August 23, 2025
sigh

I was fully invested in this absolutely beautiful story until the 90% mark. The last 10% added nothing to the story. I did not need to know that about Darcy. He had already been humbled; we didn’t need an encore.

The rest of the book was a rare find. Ms Thomas dealt with issues so gracefully, so tenderly. The characters felt so real that I could touch them. I could feel Darcy’s horror, and I could peer into Mr Bennet’s heart. I just wish I could have had a little insight into the workings of Mrs Bennet’s heart.

Georgiana was a little too over the top, but I can easily overlook that. No, it’s the final part of the book that drops my rating from five stars to four.
Profile Image for Kim Power.
Author 5 books13 followers
September 15, 2025
More than a romance

This novel is an exploration of love; its nature, its permutations, its abuse and its obsessions. It is compassionate and kind, its themes explored through relationships, challenges to deeply held beliefs, and how humility opens the heart to a greater capacity to love and accept others. Elizabeth and Darcy are less lighthearted than in many variations, but they are well drawn.
223 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2025
Excellent

Loved this story, I am a heterosexual, married 35 years. I love a p&p variation that goes out of the box, kind of stories. I especially liked two differ parts of this story that gave me anxiety. The ending waz perfect. I second this story to all Pride and Premier variation lovers! Thanks Tiffany, for the entrainment.
44 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2025
A Different type of story

This is not the typical Pride and Prejudice story. This book speaks deeply of emotions, solemnly of subjects difficult to share and even harder to understand. The story is darker than most P&P variations but so very well told it is certainly worth the read. I cannot express how much the way this story is written kept me reading, eagerly turning page after page, relishing the craft of this wordsmith. Thank you very much for a difficult story so well told.
545 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2025
A beautiful story

A well-written story with a compassionate understanding of the problems of homosexuality in the Regency era. As Darcy and Elizabeth find each other and true love, they grapple with challenges from Georgiana, Wickham, Elizabeth's family, and Darcy's prejudices. A greater emphasis on religion than I usually prefer, but reasonably in context. Very well done!
85 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2025
Faith, hope and love

This book tackled difficult subjects in gentle, understanding and Christian manner. I was swept up in the anguish, love and faithfulness the author brought to the actions of the characters. It does have some triggers that you should read about in the letter from the author before tackling this book. It is thought provoking and at times jangling to the nerves, but a worthwhile read. When you finish, you may feel you have run the gamut of emotions, soldier through and you may feel a renewal of faith that we truly need in these fractious times.
Profile Image for Mariska.
689 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2025
Absolutely Beautiful!!

I love stories that show how real love and devotion comes in many ways. For me, this book is not just a reader, it's a keeper!
66 reviews18 followers
August 30, 2025
This story blew me away

Thank you, TIffany, for reaching into the depths of your heart to bring forth this story. It so moved me, challenged me, inspired me - this is a perfect book.
Profile Image for Daisy Roe.
50 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2025
Such a good book

Love this author! The way an author can take you on a journey is overwhelming. Ms Thomas is one of the best.
Profile Image for Rachel Tag.
7 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2025
Surprisingly deep

Unexpectedly fantastic story. The themes were handled well and with respect. Not your normal P&P variation and well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews